After retuning to the winner’s list last Saturday, St Kilda will look to finish 2016 with a winning record when they take on the Brisbane Lions this Sunday. These two last met back in round nine of 2015, where the Saints shook off a slow start win by 22-points.
Brisbane Lions vs St Kilda
Round 9 - May 31, 2015
Summary
Looking for just their third win of the season, St Kilda got off to the worst possible start. A seven goal to two opening Lions quarter had the Saints behind the 8-ball early.
28-points down at quarter time, St Kilda needed to revive the contest quickly and came out of the first change breathing fire. Within 16 minutes, Brisbane’s lead had eroded and momentum was with the Saints.
With their lead holding steady at just over a goal, St Kilda skipped clear when Adam Schneider booted two majors in succession. However, neither side could hold momentum. Brisbane wrestled back control with three straight goals late in the third.
Needing to lift again, two Mav Weller goals in a minute broke the shackles and set the platform for a hard-fought 22-point victory.
Player Performances
Skipper Nick Riewoldt was at his vintage best, booting four goals and clunking 10 marks. David Armitage had 32 touches and two majors, while Leigh Montagna also starred with 28 disposals.
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For Brisbane, Dayne Beams amassed 38 disposals and 10 marks, with Lewis Taylor gathering 28 touches at 84% disposal efficiency. Ryan Lester hit the scoreboard with four goals of his own.
Stats that mattered
The close nature of the contest can be perfectly summarised in the statistics. St Kilda went +16 in tackles and +10 in clearances, highlighting the Saints’ effort to work back into the contest.
Who was missing?
There will be two different sides to last year that run out on Sunday.
For St Kilda, just 13 of those who played in last year’s game featured in the win over Richmond. Tim Membrey was omitted for the clash, but has since become a vital cog in the forward line. Sam Fisher missed last week with a hamstring injury, but is a chance to return.
While for Brisbane, just eight of those who played last time these two met featured in the loss to Geelong. Pearce Hanley will play after missing first half of last season with a hip injury, while the Lions have blooded a number of young stars as they look to the future.
What the coaches said?
“We were beaten on ground level in our defensive 50. We lost a few defenders, had a few makeshift guys down there," – Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch (May 31, 2015)
"We've actually done a bit of that this year, even in games we haven't won. The group certainly has got some spirit” – St Kilda coach Alan Richardson (May 31, 2015)
BRISBANE LIONS 7.1 8.2 11.6 13.8 (86)
ST KILDA 2.3 9.6 12.9 16.12 (108)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Lester 4, Rich 2, Green, Robinson, Bewick, Zorko, Rockliff, Robertson, Christensen
St Kilda: Riewoldt 4, Dunstan 2, Weller 2, Schneider 2, Armitage 2, Steven, Roberton, Lonie, Bruce
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Martin, Lester, D.Beams, Andrews, Zorko, Taylor
St Kilda: Armitage, Riewoldt, Steven, Dempster, Montagna, Schneider
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Gardiner (calf) replaced in selected side by Bewick, Harwood (concussion), Adcock (calf), C.Beams (knee), Rockliff (ribs)
St Kilda: Nil
